More Time in Gym Class Equals Stronger Kids

SATURDAY, May 11 (HealthDay News) -- Spending more time in
physical education classes helps students develop muscle strength
and doesn't increase their risk of broken bones, a new study
finds.

The study included more than 900 girls and boys at a school in
Sweden who had up to 200 minutes of physical education a week for
two years. A control group of students continued with the standard
amount of 60 minutes of physical education each week.

The children who had more physical education time developed
greater muscle mass and strength than those in the control group,
according to the study, published in the May issue of the journal
Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise.

The findings "could have important implications on public health
guidelines and recommendations for school-based physical activity,"
study author Dr. Bjarne Lofgren, of Lund University in Sweden, said
in a journal news release.

"Regular weight-bearing exercise has been shown to consistently improve bone mass, structure and strength during childhood and adolescence," Lofgren said. "It can also help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal diseases later on in adult years."

Previous research has shown that students who get more exercise
do better in the classroom.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.